How has the international community responded to President Saied’s actions?
Tunisian President Jolts Nation by Abruptly Sacking Prime Minister
In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves across the nation, Tunisian President Kais Saied has abruptly sacked Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and suspended parliament for 30 days. The announcement, which was made on July 25, 2021, has plunged the country into a state of uncertainty and raised concerns about the future of democratic governance in Tunisia.
Background
Tunisia’s political landscape has been marked by instability and power struggles since the 2011 revolution that led to the ousting of longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The country has since gone through multiple elections and saw the rise of various political parties and movements, resulting in a fragmented parliament and a series of short-lived coalition governments.
The decision to dismiss the prime minister and suspend parliament comes amid widespread public frustration over the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as ongoing economic and social challenges. President Saied’s move has been met with both support and criticism from various segments of Tunisian society, with some viewing it as a necessary step to address the country’s political deadlock, while others see it as a dangerous erosion of democratic norms.
Key Players
President Kais Saied: Elected in 2019, Saied is a political outsider who ran as an independent candidate and has positioned himself as a champion of anti-corruption and good governance. His decision to remove the prime minister and assume executive authority has sparked a debate about the limits of presidential power under Tunisia’s constitution.
Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi: A technocrat who was appointed to the position in 2020, Mechichi’s government has been grappling with a range of challenges, including a struggling economy, high unemployment, and a surge in COVID-19 cases. His removal has raised questions about the continuity of government policies and the potential for further political polarization.
Ennahda Movement: Tunisia’s largest political party and part of the governing coalition, Ennahda has been a key player in the country’s post-revolution politics. The party has criticized President Saied’s actions as a “coup against the revolution” and has called for dialogue and respect for the rule of law.
Implications and Uncertainties
The dismissal of the prime minister and the suspension of parliament have sparked concerns about the future of Tunisia’s democratic institutions and the rule of law. Many Tunisians fear that the country is at a crossroads, with the potential for further political turmoil and social unrest.
President Saied’s decision to assume executive authority and the subsequent crackdown on dissent have raised questions about the state of civil liberties and political pluralism in Tunisia. The international community, including the European Union and the United States, has called for a swift return to democratic norms and the respect for the rule of law.
The Way Forward
As Tunisia grapples with the aftermath of President Saied’s bold move, the country faces a daunting set of challenges that require a concerted effort to address. A clear and inclusive roadmap for the return to democratic governance, the protection of civil liberties, and the revitalization of the economy will be crucial in restoring public trust and confidence in the country’s leadership.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial in shaping Tunisia’s future trajectory, with the need for political dialogue, compromise, and the engagement of all stakeholders. The international community has a role to play in supporting Tunisia’s democratic transition and providing assistance in areas such as economic reform, public health, and institutional capacity-building.
In Conclusion
The abrupt sacking of the prime minister by Tunisian President Kais Saied has sent shockwaves across the country and raised concerns about the future of democratic governance. The move comes amid longstanding political and socioeconomic challenges, as well as widespread public frustration over the government’s handling of key issues.
As Tunisia navigates this critical juncture, it is imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize the preservation of democratic institutions, the protection of civil liberties, and the inclusive engagement of all segments of society. The international community has a role to play in supporting Tunisia’s democratic transition and providing assistance in key areas such as economic reform and institutional capacity-building.
As the situation continues to unfold, the eyes of the world remain on Tunisia, with the hope that the country will emerge from this period of uncertainty with a renewed commitment to democratic values and a sustainable path towards progress and prosperity.
Supporter of Tunisian President Kais Saied Demonstrates in Tunis
A supporter of Tunisian President Kais Saied holds up his image along the Habib Bourguiba Avenue in Tunis on July 25, 2024. The protest commemorates the anniversary of Kais Saied consolidating his power in a constitutional coup, and also marks the 67th anniversary of the foundation of the republic. ONS ABID / AP
Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani without explanation on Wednesday, August 7, and appointed Social Affairs Minister Kamel Madouri to replace him, according to a statement from his office.
Hachani had assumed office on August 1 last year after replacing Najla Bouden, who was also dismissed by Saied without an official reason. Although he was democratically elected in 2019, President Saied orchestrated a sweeping power grab in 2021 and is now seeking another term in office through elections scheduled for October 6.
The constitution was rewritten in 2022 to establish a presidential regime with severely limited powers for parliament.
Earlier that Wednesday, Hachani had released a statement regarding government meetings to address issues affecting public transportation. Madouri had only taken on the social affairs portfolio in May.
Source: Le Monde
